NBA

From LeBron to Melo and beyond: Sizing up the NBA free agents

The NBA’s annual multimultimillion-dollar swap meet known as free agency officially begins Tuesday, and there is one question that has grabbed even more attention than people who bite at the World Cup.

Where will James play next season?

Damion James, the ex-Net, signed in April with the Spurs and as an unrestricted …

Sorry, wrong James.

LeBron James opted out of the final two years of his contract, and though there are dreamers on the NBA landscape, a return to the Heat is the scenario deemed most likely. James gave notice of his intentions last week, while the two remaining members of Miami’s Big Three, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, reportedly are following James’ lead by opting out — which could give the Heat more flexibility.

Even if The King stays on his current South Beach throne, the free-agent marketplace should be crazy. In New York, fans want to take Carmelo Anthony’s pulse every minute. There are enough big names to make the negotiating period intriguing. Talks cannot start until Tuesday (wink, wink), but trickle-down effects have begun.

“There’s only a few teams with space, and guys are going to choose where they’re going to go,” said Nets GM Billy King, who sidestepped specifics of matters occurring elsewhere — namely Miami.

“There’s always movement. If big-name guys move, it changes the landscape a lot. So that affects you in a certain way in how you view your team.

“I don’t want to get into talking about other teams and what they may do,” King said. “I will say I have a lot of respect for [Heat president] Pat Riley, and when people write them off or write him off, he tends to do something to surprise people. He’s done it numerous times and rebuilt the franchise.”

So here are brief looks at some who will start earning their part of the NBA’s $63.2 million salary cap when signings begin July 10:

A-listers

LeBron JamesGetty Images

LeBron James (Heat)

Any team virtually can be assured of an automatic trip to The Finals with him. The galaxy’s finest basketball specimen. Does everything but three-peat. Give him time. Smart money says he stays in Miami.

Carmelo Anthony (Knicks)

Second-best free-agent scorer behind guess who. Said all along he wanted free agency, but Knicks want him to take less. Biggest question: Will he be content to wait a year or two to contend? Rockets are going all in for a shot to fill their clutch-scoring need. The Bulls also are salivating and the Mavericks are contenders. His call: Go for it now or wait amid more Knick losses.

Chris Bosh (Heat)

The No. 3 man in the Big Three has developed into a frequent perimeter guy. Can be effective inside, but would be a horror for the NBA if a Big Four with Anthony were compiled. Figure he stays.

Dwyane Wade (Heat)

When healthy, he’s a stud. Helped get Heat to Finals but looked gassed against Spurs. Expected back in Miami, as Big Three maneuvered to bring roster upgrades. Figure the trio restructure deals.

Kyle Lowry (Raptors)

Super tough, gritty. Squashing deal for him was biggest Knicks mistake in eons. Terrific penetrator, passer who has developed perimeter game. Miami has legit interest. He will upgrade wherever he goes. Raptors can’t afford to lose him, but …

Dirk Nowitzki (Mavericks)

Dallas could use him taking less to add another legit piece. Better player than a recruiter. Still can score with the best, still can’t defend. He will stay.

Just below the penthouse

Eric Bledsoe (Suns)

Restricted free agent seemed destined to stay, but Suns drafted Syracuse’s Tyler Ennis. Bledsoe only played 43 games, so durability is an issue. Dallas, with Raymond Felton, could use point-guard help.

Luol DengNBAE via Getty Images

Luol Deng (Cavaliers)

Well, he’s not staying in Cleveland. Wants a contender. Figure a team looking to fill in spots looking for a defender with skills — like Mavs, Suns or Heat — will kick tires.

Greg Monroe (Pistons)

This is intriguing. The Monroe-Andre Drummond-Josh Smith idea imploded. He’s restricted, but Pistons could lose him. Hawks and Hornets (nee Bobcats) both want to upgrade front line.

Pau Gasol (Lakers)

Mavs always loved him. Championship pedigree, still can give 25 minutes. Knicks should inquire with Phil Jackson connection. Makes sense for Clippers, too.

Marcin Gortat (Wizards)

Helped Washington make playoffs. One of the few legit consistent centers. Runs the floor, athletic. He’ll create a lot of interest. Think teams thinking big: Hawks, Hornets. Wizards want him but may have tough time keeping him.

Lance Stephenson (Pacers)

Rule out Miami. Playoff escapades probably cost him millions. Instead of “quality player,” folks think “whack job.” Pacers know him best and remain best fit.

Paul Pierce (Nets)

No way the tank is full, but something remains. Still can be a clutch playoff performer. Figure the Nets retain him, but the Bulls could look if they fail with Anthony.

Rest of the pack

Gordon Hayward (Jazz): He’s restricted, but Utah’s qualifying offer might be too little too late. Celtics’ Brad Stevens coached him in college.

Isaiah Thomas (Kings): Poor man’s Kyle Lowry. Can score but playmaking needs upgrade. Good year on bad team. Got qualifying offer so restricted. Bet he stays.

Evan Turner (Pacers): The No. 2 pick once upon a time. People know there is talent. Suns or Bucks late in process may look for added scoring. Restricted.

Shaun Livingston (Nets): Nets want him, but could have hard time retaining him after he showed his worth all season. Minnesota mentioned. Toronto makes sense if Lowry bolts.

Spencer Hawes (Cavaliers): A big who can go inside or step out and stretch the defense. A complementary rotation piece for teams like the Clippers or Bulls.

Patty Mills (Spurs): He emceed Spurs title party. Loves San Antonio, Tony Parker, Gregg Popovich. And he’ll want to be a Knicks backup? Stays put.

Boris Diaw (Spurs): Another who gets Spurs’ team-first concept. When he went in starting lineup, Finals drastically changed. A perfect Spur and he’ll stay that.

Trevor Ariza (Wizards): Has “Heat” written all over him. Defends, hits 3s. Wizards want to keep him.

Josh McRoberts (Hornets): A stretch 4, good 3-point shooter. Charlotte wants to upgrade front line but also wants to keep him for his energy and passing.

Shawn Marion (Mavericks): A lot of years on these tires. Still defends. Figure he stays in Dallas.

Andray Blatche (Nets): Sun rises in East. Pain hurts. Blatche is an ex-Net. There are certainties. Somewhere, there is a team that sees only talent and no baggage.

Ray Allen (Heat): Played well. Wants to keep playing. He’s tight with LeBron, so Heat may give it one more shot.